NPTE Lymphedema ACTUAL Exam
Questions and CORRECT Answers
What is the flow of lymph? - CORRECT ANSWER - - Lymphatic capillaries
- Lymphatic collecting vessels
- lymph nodes to filter the lymph
- lymph collecting ducts
- subclavian veins
What are the two lymphatic ducts in the body and what parts do they drain? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Right lymphatic duct: drains R side of face RUE, and R chest
Thoracic Duct: everything else
What is the physiology of lymph? - CORRECT ANSWER - The transport capacity and
lymphatic load
How does lymphedema occur? - CORRECT ANSWER - When the lymphatic load
exceeds the transport capacity
What is primary lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER - Congenital or hereditary
condition
What is secondary lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER - Injury to one or more of the
components of the lymphatic system
What is Milroy's disease? - CORRECT ANSWER - Familial disease characterized by
lymphedema; primary lymphedema
What is pitting edema? - CORRECT ANSWER - - indentation of the skin with pressure of
the fingertips for several seconds after the finger is removed
, - reflects significant short duration edema with little or no fibrotic changes in skin or
subcutaneous tissue
What is brawny edema? - CORRECT ANSWER - - pressure on edematous tissue feels
hard with palpation
- reflects more severe form of interstitial swelling with progressive fibrotic changes in
subcutaneous tissues
What is weeping edema? - CORRECT ANSWER - - most severe and long duration form
of lymphedema
- fluid leaks from cuts or sores; wound healing is significantly impaired
- almost exclusively in the lower extremities
What indicates a positive Stemmer Sign? - CORRECT ANSWER - Positive if the skin on
the dorsal surface of fingers or toes can't be pinched (lifted) or is difficult to pinch compared
with the uninvolved limb
- indicative of stage II or III lymphedema - a worsening condition
Name the stages of lymphedema - CORRECT ANSWER - Stage 0 (Latency)
Stage I ( Reversible)
Stage II (Spontaneously irreversible)
Stage III ( Lymphostatic Elephantiasis)
What are the characteristics of stage 0 lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER - Latency
stage
- no clinical edema, clinical reports of heaviness
- Stemmer sign (-)
- skin/tissue appears normal
Questions and CORRECT Answers
What is the flow of lymph? - CORRECT ANSWER - - Lymphatic capillaries
- Lymphatic collecting vessels
- lymph nodes to filter the lymph
- lymph collecting ducts
- subclavian veins
What are the two lymphatic ducts in the body and what parts do they drain? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Right lymphatic duct: drains R side of face RUE, and R chest
Thoracic Duct: everything else
What is the physiology of lymph? - CORRECT ANSWER - The transport capacity and
lymphatic load
How does lymphedema occur? - CORRECT ANSWER - When the lymphatic load
exceeds the transport capacity
What is primary lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER - Congenital or hereditary
condition
What is secondary lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER - Injury to one or more of the
components of the lymphatic system
What is Milroy's disease? - CORRECT ANSWER - Familial disease characterized by
lymphedema; primary lymphedema
What is pitting edema? - CORRECT ANSWER - - indentation of the skin with pressure of
the fingertips for several seconds after the finger is removed
, - reflects significant short duration edema with little or no fibrotic changes in skin or
subcutaneous tissue
What is brawny edema? - CORRECT ANSWER - - pressure on edematous tissue feels
hard with palpation
- reflects more severe form of interstitial swelling with progressive fibrotic changes in
subcutaneous tissues
What is weeping edema? - CORRECT ANSWER - - most severe and long duration form
of lymphedema
- fluid leaks from cuts or sores; wound healing is significantly impaired
- almost exclusively in the lower extremities
What indicates a positive Stemmer Sign? - CORRECT ANSWER - Positive if the skin on
the dorsal surface of fingers or toes can't be pinched (lifted) or is difficult to pinch compared
with the uninvolved limb
- indicative of stage II or III lymphedema - a worsening condition
Name the stages of lymphedema - CORRECT ANSWER - Stage 0 (Latency)
Stage I ( Reversible)
Stage II (Spontaneously irreversible)
Stage III ( Lymphostatic Elephantiasis)
What are the characteristics of stage 0 lymphedema? - CORRECT ANSWER - Latency
stage
- no clinical edema, clinical reports of heaviness
- Stemmer sign (-)
- skin/tissue appears normal
